Now at the end of a week with her wake done, funeral upcoming, and as the family of this woman retreat to grieve, I’m still getting emails from people wondering why her death is national news because, in the words of some, they had never heard of her until now.
I suggest, instead of wondering why it’s news because you didn’t know of her, ask yourself why you didn’t know. While many conservative shun Hollywood or popular culture entirely now (for some arguably good reasons), that’s a mistake. We have been betrayed by actors who spout their politics so much they destroy the contract to remain blank-slates so we can ‘suspend disbelief’ and escape in a film. Richardson, for the most part and quite unlike her mother Vanessa Redgrave, respected her role as a performer and didn’t thrust herself into the our real and very often dirty political world. There are also actors who are not on TMZ every night, who don’t go clubbing, or show up on Oprah regularly. Richardson was one of them.
Perhaps some of us especially are shocked because she was our age, and stupid accidental deaths aren’t supposed to happen to young, vibrant people. But they do all the time. We’re now reminded of that. It’s also important to reflect, with all the political crap we deal with day after day, to be grateful you’re here; here to be with your family; here to fight; here to win another day.
For those unfamiliar with a performance considered clip of Natasha Richardson’s powerful performance of “Maybe This Time” from her Tony-winning turn in “Cabaret.”
I remember her from “Nell”, where she met her husband, and I can only imagine how horrible this is for him.
But yeah, it’s a scary reminder of how fragile we are…
I hope that, if anything, this tragic accident helps to raise awareness and promote ski/snowboard helmets to be worn at all times by skiers of all levels skill levels.
My 32-year old colleague, who was a highly skilled skier died last year on the “bunny” slopes in a freak accident. His friend who was with him at the time said he would be alive today if he had been wearing a helmet.
Prayers go up for Ms. Richardson’s loved ones.
im still depress right now. when i moved here in canada i kept, and still is, watching her in parents trap because she reminds me of my mother and that got me through home sickness. i really like her =(
Sheila O’Malley’s piece on Natasha Richardson as Sally Bowles in Cabaret is an absolute must-read: http://tinyurl.com/d5kcy7
Tammy, I can add nothing to what you said, that was beautiful..simply beautiful. As I read the account of her husband, Liam, carrying her casket, I only could think of his role in Love Actually – how similar..Thank you Tammy and God be with Liam and her family
Yes, I agree. Well said Tammy. May God bring her family peace and carry them through their sorrow and grief.
Although I despise her Marxist mother Vanessa and Marxist uncle Corin – I always liked Natasha Richardson and her aunt Lynn Redgrave.
I too want to thank you for running a spot for Natasha Richardson
She was what hollywood once was…she was such a class act. You never heard any scandal about her and her husband or about how screwed up their kids were…they seemed so dedicated to each other and it shows in the pictures you see of them…I am just so sick of hearing about the Lindsey Lohan types…the classless people in that industry who are overpaid and are held in such high regard as far as their political views and lifestyle.
Once again, it seems a shame that only the good die young…
I’m one of those just shocked, and keep asking myself why I’m so sad about it. I’ll just keep praying for the family, the light has gone out for them for a while.
I heard you on the Laura Ingraham show today say young people e-mailed you saying they don’t know who this woman was. Unbelievable because I assume most around the age of those “young” people e-mailing were very young and should remember when Natasha Richardson starred in the movie PARENT TRAP.
Her husband, Liam Neeson was a pallbearer today. That had to be extremely hard for him. I loved Liam Neeson in the movie ROB ROY (1995). Every romantic man’s manly movie.
Tammy, you made me get all choked up again today talking about her and playing that clip. There are so few like her left in Hollywood. Maybe her passing will inspire some of them to grow up and be more like her. Lord knows we need it.
I’m going to load up my netflix que now. The last thing I saw her in was “Evening” which also starred her mother who was dying in the movie. Now it’s all turned around…so sad!
Thanks for posting that little clip… she was so talented, but, coming from that family, one would expect it.
I am truly sick of some of the press on this; that she refused treatment, or that the Canadian emergency staff should have treated her immediately.
It was just her time, that’s all anyone can say. She lived her life so well, in every way, and obviously leaves behind a legacy of love and adoration.
May God Bless You in Heaven, Natasha, and comfort and console your family.